Kenya's Oliech ups goal tally

Dennis Oliech extended his Ligue 1 tally this season to nine goals after scoring the goal that gave Auxerre a 1-1 draw with hosts Rennes at Route de Lorient Stadium on Sunday.

Auxerre began the day bottom of the standings and Harambee Stars captain Oliech’s 10th-minute goal provided a perfect start.

Rennes dominated the early exchanges but it took a counter-attack for Auxerre to take the lead. Oliech outpaced Rennes defenders to power in a great pass from Alain Traore.

At the half hour mark, Kossi Prince Segbefia provided a neat cross to Oliech but the the final shot was blocked by Rennes keeper Benot Costil. Auxerre led 1-0 lead at half-time.

Frenchman Yacine Brahimi connected to a Jonathan Pitroipa cross then unleashed a right-footed shot from outside the box to level the score line in the 66th minute.

Better goal difference

Auxerre had claims of a penalty after Oliech was brought down inside the box but the centre referee gave a deaf ear to the calls.

Ben Sahar was introduced in place of Oliech in the 85th minute but could do little to alter the score line. The single point will provide temporal reprieve for Auxerre as they swapped places with Sochaux. Both teams have 24 points but Auxerre has a better goal difference.

Elsewhere, Nigerian striker Kalu Uche was the African star in Europe with a hat-trick as Espanyol demolished Rayo Vallecano 5-1 in La Liga at the weekend.